On Tuesday, June 2, the New York State Senate held its annual Women of Distinction Awards and Ceremony. Each senator selected a woman from New York’s 62 senatorial districts to be part of a traveling exhibition of outstanding women. Nominees included women from the worlds of business, academia and civic life, as well as those who performed heroic or selfless acts, made significant discoveries or excelled against difficult odds.
Senator Klein selected as his nominee, Roseann Pignatelli Carotenuto, a beloved and outstanding educator defined by an unapologetic passion for her work. Not only has Roseanne guided thousands of students in their academic development throughout her career, but she is a leader and a counselor to her peers.
Roseann Carotenuto has worked with children her entire career. She began teaching in 1973, first as a substitute teacher, then as a third and eight grade teacher at St. Frances de Chantal in. In 1984, Roseann began teaching 5th grade at Villa Maria Academy where she initiated the Guidance Program. She continued her work in Counseling at the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula beginning in 1989. In 1994, “Mrs. C” (as she is best known by her former and present students), became the principal of St. Mary School in Wakefield. After nine years, she decided to accept the position of Academic Dean at Cardinal Spellman High School. She was then appointed Bronx Superintendent of Catholic Elementary Schools.
Roseann was born in East Harlem and attended Holy Rosary School and St. Jean the Baptiste High School. She received her B.A. in Psychology, Masters in Elementary Education, and Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Lehman College where she was a member of The Hundred Scholars Program. In 2000, Roseann was awarded a Professional Diploma in Administration and Supervision from Manhattan College. Roseann believes that her teaching, counseling, and parenting experiences as well as her roles as principal and dean have helped her in her present role as District Superintendent.
As a proud member of the executive board of FIAME and a recipient of its Dominick Capone Service Award, she works to reach out to the younger generation of learners and truly feels that education is a service to students.
Roseann and her husband, Vinny, who works as a field manager for Sikorsky Helicopters live and raised their family in Throggs Neck. They are the proud parents of Dana and Gina Marie.
